Despite all the snow on the ground here in Toronto, it's time to get excited about spring! We could all use a healthy dose of optimism and sunshine, so, a la Tres Sugar, here's a list of things to look forward to about this time of year.

<3 White eyelet dresses<3 Berries are in season at last!<3 Time for sneakers, strappy heels or flats-- no more heavy boots.<3 Yummy light desserts like meringues, blueberries and cream or frozen yogurt<3 Day trips<3 Grilled vegetables on the BBQ<3 Easter, Passover + Ostara<3 Wearing neon and pastels

Earth Hour is WWF's initative to get people to think about the impact we have on the environment. For one hour every year, we are asked to turn off our lights in honour of the earth and to think of ways we can 'go green' and be better to ourselves and the rest of the world.

New York law states that transpeople must undergo genital surgery to change the gender status on their birth certificates. Canada's similar laws are not as intrusive and unconstitutional, but nonetheless make things more difficult than they should be.

Gender is not always connected to sex and government is meant to protect its country's people, not check what's in their pants (or under their skirts) and define them with an M or F.

Says Sam Berkley, an NYC (trans)man, "I don't feel comfortable with the government deciding whether I'm a man or not".

Governments (especially that of the United States) are obsessed with controlling citizens' gender identities and sexual preferences. When poverty, violence and prejudice are running rampant and taking lives, aren't there more important things for politicians to do than regulate birth certificates and ban marriages?

Uxbridge Public Library is having a Giant Used Book Sale 16-19 April. I'm from North York (as most of you know ;) ) but Uxbridge's library remains one of my favourites. So go to the sale! You'll see me there.

These posts (1) + (2) from Beau+Aero are stunning! I love the Native-inspired pieces.

Good For Her has released this year's list of nominees for the Feminist Porn Awards. I get the feeling lots of people will be busy catching up on nominated films this weekend, and not for the Oscars ;)

Japan was hit with an terrifying 8.9-magnitude eathquake today, followed by a devastating tsunami. As the death toll rises and more people are reported missing, we need to do everything we can to help.

Send your thoughts, love and prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy. If possible, donate to one of many incredible charities doing all they can to provide relief.

1. Eat when you are hungry.2. Eat sitting down in a calm environment.3. Eat without distractions.4. Eat what your body wants.5. Eat until you're satisfied.6. Eat in full view of others.7. Eat with enjoyment.

Geneen emphasizes pleasure and mindfulness, both essential to a healthy figure and body image.

etched in tin is here to inspire you to embrace and love yourself, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. So I want to know: What's the last thing you did to make yourself feel awesome about the way you look?

xo Becca

[NOTE: Photo belongs to me. Excerpt from Geneen Roth's book inspires, but does not belong to me.]

In honour of this incredibly important annual day of awareness, I have put together a little faq on self injury. Included at the bottom are a few resources and a message from me to you.

What Is Self Injury?

Self injury (also known as s.i. or self harm) is the act of hurting one's self physically (cutting, burning, etc) in an intentional, direct way. It is often as a result of, or co-morbid to mental illnesses such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder or Major Depression. Like most illnesses, s.i. is exacerbated by stress.

Is Self Injury Related To Suicide?

Contrary to popular belief, self harm is almost never linked to suicide attempts. In fact, many people who s.i. say hurting themselves helps them cope with negative feelings, intense pressure or suicidal thoughts. Favazza, who studied s.i. intensively, states ". . . self-mutilation is distinct from suicide... A basic understanding is that a person who truly attempts suicide seeks to end all feelings whereas a person who self-mutilates seeks to feel better".

How is Self Injury treated?

Like anxiety and mood disorder sufferers, those who s.i. often benefit from talk therapy and/or medication.

The most effective treatment for self injury is replacing cutting or burning with other, much healthier coping mechanisms. Mental Health professionals can teach patients Cognitive Behavioural Therapy skills. Use of Fidget Toys can be implemented. Grounding Techniques are incredibly helpful too.

If you have any questions, please contact me or check out the resources below.